Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

CANADA #249: The use of radionuclides as tracers to study climate change effects in northern Canada.  

Outline
There is increasing concern about the effects of climate change on the traditional food supplies and lifestyles of northern indigenous peoples. The radiological monitoring networks that Health Canada operates throughout Canada, including the north, can play a role in documenting and understanding climate changes. In addition to the primary functions of supporting of the Federal Nuclear Emergency Plan (FNEP) and the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), the networks provide regular measurements of a wide range of naturally-occurring radionuclide concentrations in air. Measurements of uranium, radium, and potassium-40 give information on dust loading from local and distant sources. The short-lived radon & thoron decay products (lead-212, bismuth-214) are indicative of local emanations of soil gas. This is in turn related to changing permafrost conditions. The longer-lived radon decay products (especially lead-210) give information on movements of continental air masses. The beryllium isotopes are produced by cosmic irradiation of air molecules in the stratosphere. Their abundances and ratios at the earth’s surface give information on exchanges of air masses between the stratosphere and troposphere. When combined with similar data on beryllium isotopes at lower latitudes, insight is gained on air exchanges between the temperate and polar regions. This aids in the understanding of ozone enhancement at ground level and ozone depletion in the upper atmosphere. The latter is related to increasing UV (ultra-violet) exposure and risk of skin cancer. Much of this work can be carried out with existing funds. Additional funding of $200K/year would be needed for contracts and additional scientific support staff.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
Observations, trends, and forecasting change in polar environments, climate and society.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) Organization: Canada has access to all radionuclide data from the International Monitoring System for verification under the Treaty. Also, bi-lateral arrangements for data sharing with other northern countries, e.g., Finland, Germany, USA, etc. Linkages with World Health Organization and World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Terrestrial environment throughout northern Canada and, through partnerships with other circumpolar countries, throughout the entire North Polar Region

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 04/2005 – 03/2008            
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Utilizing measurements of radionuclides and heavy metals from existing and planned radiological monitoring stations (CRMN, CTBT Networks), exchange of data with international partners. Infrastructure already exists.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
Components of the infrastructure are already in place and the remainder will be installed before 2007. This infrastructure will remain in place as a legacy after the International Polar Year.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?

The logistics are already in place and are supported through Health Canada as well as other sources.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
Yes

This project is one component of an existing programme. However, the work is being re-focused to meet IPY objectives.

How will the project be organised and managed?
The project will be organized and managed by a principal investigator and scientific team at Health Canada, employing accepted project management practices. Outside partners will be included in the planning and operating activities.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Training component through the employment of students (undergraduate and graduate) and postdoctoral fellows. Development of educational packages for curricula in northern schools. Publication of significant findings in scientific journals.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
The plan is to make all of the monitoring data available on the Health Canada website. In addition, pre-publication copies of scientific papers will be posted on the website and copies made available for distribution. Presentations of results will be given at appropriate opportunities during visits to northern communities.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Data collection funded by A-base and CTBT: $1000K O&M, $700K salary in 2004/2005. Additional $200K/year would be needed to complete all aspects of the plan.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
Northern involvement through local station operators and collections of samples.

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr. / Head, Radiological Impact Section Bliss Tracy
Radiation Protection Bureau, HECSB, Health Canada
Address Locator 6302D1
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 1C1
Canada

Tel: (613) 954-6678
Mobile: no
Fax: (613) 957-1089
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation